Letter of Support by Patricio Rice

 

Dear friends:

 

A year has gone by since that most sad and tragic event. What to say?  Young lives so full of promise and commitment cut down so senselessly and cowardly.

We have received many stories of Aasia and her commitment to justice, human rights, the families of the disappeared with her talent in journalism.  Her extraordinary witness will continue to beacon forth.

From here in Latin America we wish to join in solidarity with you on this occasion.  We share your sorrow and loss but also the hope she and her colleague shared with you all.  I am writing on behalf of my own name but also of the members of  Latin American Association of  Families of the Disappeared (FEDEFAM).

 

With best wishes

 

Patricio

 

The following lines from poet Stephen Spender seem most appropriate:

 

"Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields

See how these names are feted by the waving grass

And by the streamers of white cloud

And whispers of wind in the listening sky.

The names of those who in their lives fought for life.

Who wore at their hearts the fire´s centre.

Born of the sun, they traveled a short while toward the sun

And felt the vivid air signed with their honour."